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Rather than talk about me, the newspapers I’ve worked or college degrees I’ve earned as I introduce myself as editor to the community, I’d rather talk about you.

Winchester and Clark County have been very welcoming.

Other day, Mayor Ed Burtner introduced me to city council — that was nice.
Judge-Executive Henry Branham is a good guy too.

And Magistrate Robert Blanton introduced himself — he was attending a council meeting. During a recent county Fiscal Court meeting, Blanton spoke about possible plans to locate the bell, which once sat atop the courthouse, on courthouse property. Bell weighs several thousand pounds, maybe more than the Liberty Bell. When all that planning comes to fruition, that’ll be a good story to write. I like stories that uplift the community.

I want everyone to know they can contact me anytime to chat, share news tips and story ideas. Call the Winchester Sun at (859) 744-3123 or reach out via email at miles.layton@winchestersun.com

Last week, I met Mike Anderson, a volunteer who was working the reception desk at the College Park Fitness Center. Anderson was very welcoming and I’m VERY impressed with the facility, especially the swimming pool. Most mornings, I jog a few miles around town or on the fitness center’s treadmill before finishing the workout with a mile or so of laps in the pool. Clark County is truly fortunate to have this fitness center, a true gem for the community.

On that note, I’m looking for a place to live in town, preferably one that is within jogging distance to the fitness center. Right now, I’m staying at the Red Roof Inn — that’s how new I am to town.

I’m the spearpoint of finding a place for my family to live.

My strategy is simple — find an inexpensive apartment so I have a base of operations to look for a bigger place to live. Garage apartment might be nice or maybe it would be cool to live upstairs in one of those historic buildings downtown. Lot of beautiful architecture downtown. Amazing older homes too. I’d like to be close to the Winchester Sun so that if any major news event happens, I’ll be right there to cover it.

God willing, I’ll get lucky and find a proper home for my family; the sooner the better so they can join me in Kentucky. Eventually, I’d like to be able to live in the type of house where folks can come up and maybe chat on my front porch, tell me what you’d like to see in the newspaper.

If you know someone with an affordable apartment, an older home to rent with preferably two stories, reach out to me via email at miles.layton@winchestersun.com

A high school sophomore, my daughter Samantha wants to move to Winchester as soon as possible so she can attend George Rogers Clark High School. A high ranking Junior ROTC cadet, I’ve sent her Sun stories about the school’s top notch Junior ROTC program. Recently, the men’s team came in first overall in the nation, and the women’s team came in fourth overall at the JRTOC All-Service Raider Nationals at Gerald Lawhorn Scouting Base in Molena, Georgia. Congrats!

Earlier this week, I had a long conversation with Superintendent Molly McComas, who is very school and community oriented. I’ve written many stories about education over the years so I can say with certainty that Clark County is very lucky to have McComas leading the charge. Very down-to-earth person. A parent herself, McComas sold me on the many virtues of the GRC school system. Very impressive.
I’ve always felt that strong schools make for strong communities. Cardinals have a lot of school pride. Per McComas suggestion, I attended Wednesday evening’s Meet the Cards — a basketball exhibition intended to introduce this year’s team to Cardinals’ fans. That gym is huge! Lot of people filled the bleachers.

When I texted photos of the event to Samantha, she too noted the school spirit! Samantha will be visiting town next week before making a final decision as to whether to she wants to start a new school in January or finish out her sophomore year in Mississippi. Her two brothers are in eighth grade and fourth grade will have to make a similar decision too. Robert is active in Scouts and his younger brother Joseph loves playing rec league soccer.

Cheers to my wife Nicole who is managing the homestead in my absence. For Nicole, that means being a chaffeur to soccer games, scout meetings, attending parent-teacher conference, grocery shopping, meal planning and much more. Our kids’ future is based on what living arrangements I can find in the weeks or months ahead. It’s never easy moving, but I place my faith in God that we will prevail.
Speaking of the future, put this on your calendar from Dianna Layne, administrative assistant/deputy city clerk.

The Winchester Chorale Christmas program will be at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5, at the Winchester First Church of God, 2500 Colby Road. Admittance is free; donations will be received.

Please email any briefs you want to see in the newspaper and I’ll do my best to get them in print and on our webpage at winchestersun.com